He said: “The first I knew about anything happening was when I saw lots of flashing blue lights as the road started to fill up with police cars.

“When I came outside, the girl started screaming ‘Jay, Jay,’ from her top floor window.

“By this time, loads of neighbours were outside and people were shouting ‘get a ladder, get a ladder’.

“We were all ready to spring into action and then the fire brigade turned up and kicked the door down and loads of thick smoke and fire poured out.”

He added: “My main concern was the woman and her little baby, who I think is only around eight to 12 months old. I saw the ladder going up to the window and the girl passed her baby to the fireman – it was such a relief to know that he was safe. I’m glad everyone got out all right.”